Wanted to touch on this from
@zydecochris
After the game I would be interested in any follow-up you have on this, that isn't quite so evident to me, but IMHO you are one of the two or three most knowledgable posters on this Forum, I would be interested in your reasons and observations.
The way that they seem similar is: both appear to be very cerebral QBs that understood their college offense to a "t", and Mac appeared to be a quick learner (for a rookie) of the Patriots offense last year. And Zappe would appear to be a quick learner also (he did pretty well last week when he was suddenly thrown in the game), although of course the Patriots are treating him in a way similar to how they treated Mac early in his rookie year, not asking too much.
But to me they seem quite a bit different, let me make my arguments (unburdened by any actual knowledge on the subject):
* Mac 6'2 1/2", Zappe 6'0 1/2", Zappe is a bit small for a non-athletic QB
I actually touched on this before in a few post and have a little theory on this. I don't believe height necessarily matters of shows up in inches when it comes to the QB position. Obviously it matters, right? There has to be a cut off and that seems to be around 6'. You just don't see many great QB that size. Most great QB's are around 6'2-6'3. Very few taller QB's above 6'4 are called great. I personally don't think it matters if you're 6' 1/2 or 6'2 1/2.
Imo it's all about throwing lanes, angles, pocket awareness, timing, vision, ability to manipulate a pocket. Again maybe there's a cut off around 5'10" and 6'4" but I think that's where traits > inches show up. I'm white and Irish so it's obvious why I'd make that argument.
Beyond that I think you could argue neither have a classic NFL physique or build. Mac got a lot of heat last year for his body. He oobviously spent time working on it. He can improve his body and Zappe can't grow but again I don't think either has an ideal NFL build although Mac does look bigger.
I'd also argue that despite running a slower 40 time Zappe plays with better instincts specifically when it comes to pressure immediately around him. I talked a lot about that pre-draft. We've seen Mac have serious trouble with that so far. If he can see it coming he can work around it at times but the closer it gets the more he looks rooted and his feet stop. Neither are athletes but I believe Zappe plays a little looser and has slightly better instincts when it comes to that.
Specifically speaking to seeing over an OL is something I've always been fascinated with. I used to write and interview players before realizing I was a terrible writer. A lot off the record but that was I always asked about. I was fortunate enough to talk to a few local players and stand behind a college OL. I'm 6'4" obviously not a QB but find it extremely difficult to see anyone short of 6'6" comfortably seeing over an NFL line. Especially when you're in an athletic position. That's all about footwork, pocket presence and timing.
@patfanken has spent more time around players than me. I'm sure he could add to that.
* Mac trained in a near-pro environment under Saban and Sarkisian; Zappe at a super small school (Western Kentucky)
There's no doubt Mac had a stronger cast around him in all ways. More specifically though in terms of scheme neither ran a traditional/classic NFL system imo and was kinda tailor-made for them.
Mac's passes were 60% RPO/behind the los in college and I believe PFF recorded him with about 50 tight window passes or right around there. Zappe ran a air raid variation. So both were kind of outsiders in that department even though Mac had a stronger cast.
* Mac has won National Championship, Zappe played for a decent 9-5 Conference USA team
Mac's accomplishments are more impressive but it's hard to measure when you look it a little deeper imo. Both had to really work to get where their at. Mac had to sit and wait behind Tua & Hurts. Played on a team that was one of the best in the last 10 years. Loaded OL, running game, WR, defense. Zappe took over a 1-10 Houston Baptist team and set records without any type of running game or defense. It was Zappe or bust. And not only records the guy passed for 60+ TD and almost 6K yards lol with all eyes on defense on him. Add to that he played his best in big games. The moment never seemed too big for him. Best example probably came in a loss against Texas Tech when he was on Houston Baptist. Lost by 2 or 3 I believe and tossed 4 TD no INT and almost 600 yards. I believe he also set a record against Army and no sets records against them at that level. Think he passed for the most yards ever or most yards in last 30 years or something crazy to that.
* IMHO Mac is the ultimate "do exactly what the coach says" guy who obsessively watches film and prepares and in the past tried to minimize mistakes almost to a fault (I can only assume Patricia is telling him to open things up this year and take more risks); I got the impression that Zappe was more of a create-out-of-nothing type in college
Yes you're spot on here. Again neither is an athlete but it just seems to come more natural with Zappe in terms of instincts.
* EDIT: Also: Mac games started in college - 17, Zappe games started in college - 51, so that is one way that Zappe as a rookie has an experience edge over Mac as a rookie, albeit, against far inferior competition.
Yup very true
Anyway, after the game I would like to hear more about your comparison of Mac to Zappe.
More to similarities ...
When it comes to
arm talent both have a similar skill-set. You watch both and question their arm strength but realize they both have good enough. I believe Zappe has a little more velocity but Mac might have a little more strength in terms of how far they could actually throw a ball. Neither win with that though. Their calling cards are accuracy, timing/anticipation but more specifically placement and touch. Short, intermediate and deep those are the traits they seem to excel at. Neither have what it takes to really throw off platform, back foot.
Both guys are generals so to speak. We saw Zappe have a few guys huddled around him on the sidelines. Both guys aren't afraid to take control, be vocal and command an offense. Both guys were considered
smart. Both on and off the field.
Both multi-sport athletes in HS that seem to help them in different ways and not the obvious athleticism to move but you see it here and there when it comes to arm angles for example.
Both live off in the short/intermediate areas and love working the MOF.
Both have recognition problems with delayed blitzes. Both are good pre snap. Mac probably a little better but both could really improve post snap. Probably Mac a little more.
Both could tighten up mechanics to unlock some velocity. Mac's footwork and deliver and Zappe's delivery and habit of patting the ball before delivery. Both mechanics fall short under pressure. Each game you can pick out a few, just a few, sloppy plays when it comes to mechanics.
Older prospects that really exploded after record setting years although Zappe had a more traveled road.
I just see a lot of them in each other. I thought Jimmy G and Carr were very similar coming out as well as others. Sometimes you just get a feeling but I just see a lot of similarities between them.
